Nat Barr has grilled Treasurer Jim Chalmers about why even the wealthiest ns can receive $300 to go towards their energy bills.
The measure was announced in Tuesday’s Budget to help ease some of the burden of the cost of living crisis.
But Barr questioned why Aussies who weren’t struggling financially needed the rebate too.
‘So if you’re earning $1million why do you need a $300 power rebate?’ she asked Dr Chalmers on Wednesday morning.
Nat Barr has grilled Treasurer Jim Chalmers about why even the wealthiest ns can receive $300 to go towards their energy bills
The treasurer said the focus of the Budget was to ease cost of living pressures and provide some relief to Aussies who are doing it tough.
‘Yeah but you’re also getting it if you’re earning $1million. Why are they getting it?’ Barr hit back.
‘That’s not the focus of the energy bill relief,’ Dr Chalmers replied.
‘It might not be the focus but they’re getting it. Why are you getting a $300 energy rebate if you’re earning $1million in ,’ Barr said.
The treasurer said cost of living pressures are being ‘felt right around our country’, before he was cut off by the Sunrise host again.
‘The million dollar people are under pressure?’ she said.
The treasurer explained that energy bill providers didn’t have the information of people’s incomes.
‘So the easiest, most efficient way is to provide this energy bill relief for every household. We’re pleased and proud we’re able to do that. It’s part of a cost-of-living package which is substantial, but responsible,’ he said.
More to come